BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to exercise devices that utilize a door and/or doorframe for support.
2. Prior Art
Exercise devices for home use are well known in the art. However, such exercise devices can be very cumbersome and can take up large surface areas of the home. Exercise devices for the home have been developed that are compact or fold so as to be stored away when not in use so as not to be cumbersome or take up large areas of the home. Such devices are particularly useful for small homes and apartments. However, such devices are usually flimsy and not supported by a strong base. This is particularly true where the exercise equipment is used for bodybuilding, boxing or martial arts and are subject to heavy and forceful use by a user.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for exercise equipment that is strong enough to withstand heavy and forceful use yet are not cumbersome and do not take up a large surface area of the home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an exercise device is provided. The exercise device comprising: a frame having at least first and second vertical members for connecting to opposite vertical sides of a door jamb of a door opening; and at least one exercise equipment supported at least partially by the frame.
The frame can comprise one or more hinges disposed on one of the first and second vertical members of the frame and the door jamb such that at least a portion of the frame can rotate out of the doorway to provide access through the doorway. The exercise device can further comprise means for releasably securing the other of the first and second vertical members to one of the vertical sides of the doorjamb.
The frame can include one or more cross members connected at each of two ends to a respective first and second vertical member of the frame. The one or more cross members can be movably connected at each of the two ends thereof so as to allow the one or more cross members to have a varying height with respect to the door jamb. The at least one exercise equipment can be supported by the one or more cross members. The exercise device can further comprise a means for supporting at least a portion of a user of the exercise equipment supported by the one or more cross members. The means for supporting at least a portion of the user can be selected from a group comprising a ball and a chair. The exercise device can further comprise a footrest upon which the user places one or more of their feet supported, at least indirectly, by the one or more cross members.
The exercise equipment can comprise resistance members each fixed, at least indirectly, to the one or more cross members at one end and to a cable at another end, the cable having a hand grip at a free end such that a user of the exercise device can pull on the cable to elastically deform the elastic resistance members. The exercise device can further comprise one or more pulleys for redirecting a direction of the cable. The handgrip can comprise first and second hand grips, each of the first and second hand grips providing a different exercise, and the cable including a means for releasing connecting the free end to either of the first and second hand grips. Each of the first and second hand grips can have a different associated set of pulleys.
The at least one exercise equipment can comprise an elastic net for rebounding a ball towards the user supported on the means for supporting at least a portion of the user.
The at least one exercise equipment can comprise one or more elastic cords. The one or more elastic cords can comprise a first end supported at least indirectly by the one or more cross members and a second end having a means for attachment to a portion of the user's body. The exercise device can further comprise a projection projecting from the one or more cross members, the first end being connected to the projection. The projection can further comprise means for releasably varying a direction of the projection with respect to the one or more cross member.
The one or more exercise equipment can be a speed bag.
The one or more cross members can comprise first and second cross members separated by a vertical distance, a speed bag, a first elastic cord connecting the first cross member to the speed bag and a second elastic cord connecting the speed bag to the second cross member. The speed bag can have a likeness of one of a head and torso of a person.
The one or more exercise equipment can be a dipping station. The one or more cross members can include first and second cross members separated by a vertical distance, first and second brace members connecting the first and second cross members and first and second dipping handle members connected to a respective first and second cross member. The exercise device can further comprise an exercise ball disposed in a space defined by the first and second cross members and first and second brace members.
Also provided is a heavy bag comprising: a bag; a filling disposed in the bag; and means for suspending the bag; wherein at least a portion of a covering of the bag includes a three-dimensional likeness of one or more of a likeness of a human head, torso and body.
Still further provided is a speed bag comprising; a bag body; and means for suspending the bag body; wherein at least a portion of the bag body includes a three-dimensional likeness of one or more of a likeness of a human head and torso.
Still yet further provided is an exercise ball comprising: a ball body, the ball body having a first attachment means on a surface thereof; a second means for attachment to a hand of a user; and one or more elastic cords having a first end attached to the first attachment means and a second end attached to the second attachment means.
The one or more elastic cords can include two elastic cords. Each of the first ends of the two elastic cords can be connected to the ball body at the first attachment means. Each of the second ends of the two elastic cords can be connected to the second attachment means and the second attachment means can comprise first and second gloves worn by the user.
Lastly, an exercise device supported on a door rotatably supported in a door jamb is provided. The exercise device comprising: one or more straps supported on the door; and at least one exercise equipment supported at least partially by the one or more straps.
The one or more straps can include one or more hooks for fastening the one or more straps to an edge of the door.
The exercise device can further comprise a means for supporting at least a portion of a user of the exercise equipment supported by the one or more straps.
The one or more straps can include a support post connected at one end to the one or more straps and a second end resting on a floor adjacent the door. The exercise device can further comprise a bracket supported by a bottom edge of the door and having a portion for engaging with the second end of the support post. The exercise device can further comprise a means for supporting at least a portion of the user supported by the support post. The exercise device can further comprise a footrest upon which the user places one or more of their feet supported by the support post.
The at least one exercise equipment can comprise an elastic net for rebounding a ball towards the user supported on the means for supporting at least a portion of the user. The elastic net can be supported on the door at least by the one or more straps. The elastic net can be supported on a first end by the one or more straps and by a bracket at a second end, the bracket being supported on a top edge of the door.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
FIG. 1 illustrates an first embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIG. 2 illustrates a variation of the first embodiment of exercise device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates another variation of the first embodiment of exercise device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of an exercise device for use with a door.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exercise equipment for use with the exercise devices of FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIG. 8 illustrates a variation of the fourth embodiment of exercise device shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates a use of the exercise device shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 illustrates a use of the exercise device shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the exerciser device of FIG. 14 being withdrawn from the doorframe.
FIG. 15 illustrates a seventh embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIG. 16 illustrates a use of the exercise device shown in FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 illustrates a eighth embodiment of an exercise device of for use in a doorframe.
FIGS. 18
a and 18b illustrate front and side views, respectively, of an exercise heavy bag.
FIGS. 19
a and 19b illustrate side views of first and second variations of the exercise heavy bag of FIGS. 18a and 18b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exercise device generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The exercise device includes a frame 102 having at least first and second vertical members 104, 106 for connecting to opposite vertical sides of a door jamb of a door opening (see FIGS. 12-14). The vertical members 104, 106 can attach to the door jamb in any way known in the art and can be permanently attached, such as with wood screws or releasably attached, such as with quick release latches. At least one exercise equipment is supported at least partially and at least indirectly by the frame 102. The exercise device of FIG. 1 shows several examples of such exercise equipment; such as resistance members 108 operatively connected to low pulley grips 110 or a lat pull down bar 112 via appropriate cables 114 and pulleys 116. The resistance members 108 can be of the type commercially sold under the trade name Bowflex®.
The resistance members 108 are fixed at least indirectly to the frame 102 at one end 108a and to a cable 114 at another end 108b. The cable 114 can have a handgrip, such as the low pulley grips 110 or lat pull down bar 112, at a free end such that a user of the exercise device can pull on the cable to elastically deform the elastic resistance members and work a specific set(s) of muscles. The pulleys 116 can be used to redirect a direction of the cable 114, and the cable 114 can include a means for releasing connecting the free end to the handgrips, such as a carbiner 114a. Furthermore, each of the different handgrips (e.g., the low pulley grips and lat pull down bar) can have a different associated set of pulleys 116.
Alternatively, as discussed below with regard to FIGS. 12-14, the frame 102 can include one or more hinges disposed on one of the first and second vertical members 104, 106 of the frame such that at least a portion of the frame can rotate out of the doorway to provide access through the doorway. In such a configuration, means for releasably securing the other of the first and second vertical members 104, 106 to one of the vertical sides of the door jamb can be provided. Such means can include screw knobs or quick release latches.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the exercise device 100 can also include one or more cross members 118 connected at each of two ends 118a, 118b to a respective first and second vertical member 104, 106 of the frame 102. The two ends 118a, 118b of the one or more cross members 118 can be fixed to the vertical members 104, 106 such as with a fastener or movably connected at each of the two ends 118a, 118b so as to allow the one or more cross members 118 to have a varying height with respect to the door jamb. That is, the height of the cross-members 118 can be varied within the frame. In such a configuration, the ends 118a, 118b of the cross members 118 can be fastened to the vertical members 104, 106 by a screw knob 120, loosening of which allows the ends 118a, 118b of the cross member 118 to slide within a channel 105 in the vertical members 104, 106 until a desired height is attained at which time the knobs 120 can be tightened to lock the ends 118a, 118b in place. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the at least one exercise equipment can be supported by the one or more cross members.
The exercise device can further include a means for supporting at least a portion of a user of the exercise equipment, such as an exercise ball 122 which a user can sit on or rest a portion of their body thereon, such as their buttocks or back. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the exercise ball 122 can be supported by one or more of the cross members 118. The means for supporting at least a portion of a user can also include a chair, which can also be supported by one or more of the cross members 118, or a combination of an exercise ball and chair 124, as is illustrated in FIG. 5.
The exercise device can further include a footrest 126 upon which the user places one or more of their feet. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the footrest 126 can be supported, at least indirectly, by the one or more cross members 118. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, a support member 128 is supported on the cross member 118 having a first end 128a for supporting the resistance members 108 and a second end 128b for supporting the footrest 126 and exercise ball 122. The exercise ball 122 can further include a circular support member 130 fastened to the exercise ball 122 and having feet 132 which sit on the floor and can optionally support pulleys 116 for use with the one or more exercise equipment.
FIG. 1 illustrates the cables 114 being connected to the low pulleys 110 by way of a first set of pulleys 116 on the lower cross member 118 and a second set of pulleys 116 on the feet 132 of the circular support member 130. FIG. 2 illustrates the exercise device 100 of FIG. 1, in which the cables 114 are connected to the low pulleys 110 only by way of the first set of pulleys 116 on the lower cross member 118 where the low pulleys have been moved inward from the vertical members 104, 106 (the pulley locations being adjustable along the length of the cross member 118). FIG. 3 illustrates the exercise device 100 of FIG. 1, in which the cables 114 are connected to the lat pull down bar 112 by way of the first set of pulleys 116 on the lower cross member 118 an another set of pulleys 116 supported indirectly by an upper cross member 118. The upper cross member 118 having first and second lat pull down support members 134, 136 fixedly or movably fastened thereon. The second set of pulleys 116 being supported on the first lat pull down support member 134.
Although the exercise equipment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are shown with multiple pulleys and cables, they can be configured with more or less of the same without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, although the exercise equipment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are shown with resistance members 108, other types of resistance means can be provided, such as resistance elastic bands or weights, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the exercise device of FIG. 1 is shown with the at least one exercise equipment including an elastic net 138, which can be used for rebounding a ball towards the user supported on the exercise ball 122 or other means for supporting at least a portion of the user. The elastic net 138 can include a frame 140 and can be releasably supported by the first lat pull down support 134 and lower cross member 118 by way of carbiners 114a and cables 114. The cables 114 can be connected to the resistance members 108 as illustrated in FIG. 4 so as to keep the same taught.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an exercise device, generally referred to by reference numeral 200 which is supported on a door 202 rotatably supported in a door jamb. The exercise device 200 can include one or more strap 204 supported on the door 202 and at least one exercise equipment supported at least partially by one or more straps 204. The one or more straps 204 can include one or more hooks 206 for fastening the one or more straps to an edge of the door 202.
Similar to the exercise devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the exercise device 200 can further include a means for supporting at least a portion of a user of the exercise equipment such as an exercise ball 122, exercise ball/chair 124 or chair which is at least indirectly supported by the one or more straps 204. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the one or more straps 204 can include a support post 208 connected at one end 208a to the one or more straps 204 and a second end 208b resting on a floor adjacent the door. A bracket 210 can be provided which is supported by a bottom edge of the door 202 and having a portion 212, such as a recess, for engaging with the second end 208b of the support post 208. The means for supporting at least a portion of the user can be supported at least indirectly by the support post 208 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Furthermore, a footrest 214 can be provided upon which the user can place one or more of their feet and such footrest can be supported by the support post 208.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the at least one exercise equipment can be an elastic net 216 for rebounding a ball towards the user who is seated or at least partially supported on the exercise ball, exercise ball/chair 124 or other means for supporting at least a portion of the user. The elastic net 216 is supported on the door at least by the one or more straps 204. The elastic net 216 can be supported on a first end 216a by the one or more straps 204 and by a bracket 218 at a second end 216b, the bracket 218 being supported on a top edge of the door. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the elastic net 216 of FIG. 4 can be angled towards the exercise ball, exercise ball/chair 124 or other means for supporting at least a portion of the user so that the ball rebounds towards the user after bouncing off the elastic net 216.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the exercise ball used with either of the exercise devices of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be a conventional ball, such as those referred to as medicine balls, known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, the ball can be configured as shown in FIG. 6, generally referred to by reference numeral 300. The exercise ball 300 illustrated in FIG. 6 comprises a ball body 302, a first attachment means 304 on a surface of the ball body and a second means 306 for attachment to a hand of a user. The exercise ball 300 further includes one or more elastic cords 308 having a first end 308a attached to the first attachment means 304 and a second end 308b attached to the second attachment means 306. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the one or more elastic cords 308 can includes two elastic cords 308c, 308d, where each of the first ends 308a of the two elastic cords 308c, 308d are connected to the ball body 302 at the first attachment means 304 and each of the second ends 308b of the two elastic cords 308c, 308d are connected to the second attachment means 306 and the second attachment means can be first and second gloves 310 worn by the user.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, there is illustrated another variation of the exercise devices of FIGS. 1-3, generally referred to by reference numeral 400, in which the at least one exercise equipment comprises one or more elastic cords 402. The one or more elastic cords 402 can have a first end 402a supported at least indirectly by the one or more cross members 118 and a second end 402b having a means for attachment to a portion of the user's body, such as a leg cuff 403 for attaching to an ankle of the user. The one or more cross members 118 can have a projection 404 projecting from the cross member 118 where the first end 402a is connected to the projection 404. Such connection can be fixed or releasable, such as with a carbiner 114a. The projection 404 can include a means for releasably varying a direction of the projection with respect to the one or more cross member 118. That is, a screw knob 118a or other means can be provided to vary the position of the projection 404 relative to the vertical members 104, 106 and/or means for varying an angle of the projection 404 relative to the cross member 118. Such means for varying the angle of the projection 404 can include rotatably connecting the projection 404 to the cross member 118 and providing first holes 406 in a portion of the cross member 118 and corresponding second holes (not shown) on the projection 404, in which a pin can be inserted through a first hole 406 and a corresponding second hole to lock the projection 404 in a desired angle.
The exercise device 400 of FIG. 7 illustrates the exercise device to have first and second elastic cords 402, each having a leg cuff 403 where the cross member 118 is adjusted so as to have a low position near a floor adjacent to the door opening. FIG. 9 illustrates a user using the exercise device as configured in FIG. 7. The exercise device 400 of FIG. 8 illustrates the exercise device to have first and second elastic cords 402, each having a leg cuff 403 where the cross member 118 is adjusted so as to have a relatively higher position away from a floor adjacent to the door opening (as compared to the cross member 118 position shown in FIG. 7). FIG. 10 illustrates a user using the exercise device as configured in FIG. 8.
Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown another variation of the exercise device, generally referred to by reference numeral 500. The exercise device 500 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes the one or more exercise equipment being a speed bag 502. The speed bag is supported on a cross member 118 that is configured to be in a relatively high position as compared to the doorframe. The cross member in turn supports a riser 504 and a typical speed bag platform 506 from which the speed bag 502 is suspended, such as with a universal type ball joint 508.
Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, there is shown another variation of the exercise device, generally referred to by reference numeral 600. As mentioned above, the frame 102 can be rotatably supported in the doorframe 602 by hinges 604. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the frame 102 can be rotated out of the doorway 608 so as to permit access through the doorway 608. The frame 102 can lock into the doorway with a locking means or merely fit within the doorway snugly so as not to move when in use. In the device 600 illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the speedbag 502a is shown to have a likeness of a human head, however, a plain speedbag, such as that (502) shown in FIG. 11 can be used in which the same is adapted for connections on each of two ends (instead of only being attached at a top end). The device 600 includes upper and lower cross member 118 separated by a vertical distance (L1). Each cross member 118 includes a projecting member 610. A first elastic cord 612 is provided connecting the projection 610 from the upper cross member 118 to the speed bag 502a and a second elastic cord 614 is provided connecting the speed bag 502a to the projection 610 from the lower cross member 118. Although the cables are illustrated as being connected to the projections 610, they can alternatively be connected directly to the cross members 118.
As shown in FIG. 15, the speed bag 502b can alternatively have a likeness of torso of a person (with or without the head) and can further have an extending arm from the torso as illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 shows the use of the device of FIG. 15.
Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown another variation of the exercise device, generally referred to by reference numeral 700, in which the one or more exercise equipment is a dipping station 702. In the exercise device 700, one or more cross members 118 are provided to support such dipping station 702. FIG. 17 illustrates two such cross members 118 separated by a vertical distance (L2) with first and second brace members 704 connecting the first and second cross members 118 and first and second dipping handle members 706 connected to a respective first and second cross member 704. An exercise ball 708 can also be disposed in a space defined by the first and second cross members 118 and first and second brace members 704.
Referring now to FIGS. 18a, 18b, 19a and 19b, heavy bags are illustrated having human features. FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate a heavy bag, generally referred to by reference numeral 800. The heavy bag 800, includes a bag 802 having a filling disposed in the bag 802, a means for suspending the bag, such as chains 804 as are known in the art. The chains 804 are fastened to the bag 802 with flanges 806 or other means known in the art and hung with a hook 808 or other means known in the art. At least a portion of a covering of the bag includes a three-dimensional likeness of a human head 810. FIG. 18a shown the front view of the head 810 while FIG. 18b shows a side view of the head 810 illustrating the same to project from the surface of the bag 802. FIG. 19a illustrates another heavy bag 820 in which like reference numerals depict like features and in which the likeness is a three dimensional likeness 822 of a human head and torso. FIG. 19b illustrates yet another heavy bag 830 in which like reference numerals depict like features and in which the likeness is a three dimensional likeness 822 of a human head and torso and lower body. The likeness 822, 832 are shown with extending arms, however, such arms do not have to extend or can extend in different postures. Likewise, the feet and legs of the likeness 832 are illustrated as not extending, but can also extend from the surface of the bag 802.
The likenesses 810, 822, 832 can be generic forms of people or can be readily identifiable to the public, such as likenesses of a friend, mother-in-law, celebrities, sports professionals and the like.
While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20100267526
